How Did You Do That...?

[Matt Lewis]

Well Guys, Im 15 an extremely interested in becoming a pilot... what subjects would i need to study, and whats a few ways that i could acheive my goal? (e.g. Airforce, Private Training...). Also what are some ways that you yourself (pilots) went about getting to the stage your at now?

[nick14]

Welcome,

First of all take a look at the search function on the bar a the top there are literally hundreds of threads with questions the same as this. Everything is answered many times over and there is a huge amount of advice.

Then take a look at the stickies at the top of this forum found here:

http://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/251490-archive-reference-threads-posting-guidelines-read-before-you-post-question.html

http://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/284418-so-where-all-jobs-then.html

Interesting read here:

http://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/250640-ctc-wings-cadets-thread-part-2-a.html

[G SXTY]

And when you've read through that lot:

http://www.pprune.org/interviews-jobs-sponsorship/333092-zero-hours-airline-pilot-my-story.html

Best of luck.

[nick14]

Im surprised thats not in the book shops yet...:ok:

[redsnail]

He's in Australia. Some of the above links and tips will be valid but there are some differences.

Probably more useful to ask the q in the Dunnunda forum.

[Option C]

Hi Matt. I studied Maths, Physics, Chemistry and History for my A-Levels. Found the Maths and Physics to be helpful through out the ATPL training, would definetely recommend you take these subjects.
After my A-Levels I went to university. I took a 3 year course and at the end of my second year I started applying to a number of FTOs. Got accepted by one, finished my final year and then headed off to start my training.
What can you do? I spent a week in the control tower at Belfast City airport on work experience, wanted to get into a flight deck but obviously wasn't going to given the post 9/11 security measures. Control Tower was the next best thing and gave me an excellent insight into the industry from a slightly different perspective. Was also a great talking point at airline and FTO interviews.
Definitely get some flying done. At least a few lessons, and if you can manage it then go all the way up to PPL. If there is any kind of Air Squadron etc nearby to where you live then join it. Possibly even get a summer job at an airport as a dispatcher etc. Again will give you a different perspective on the industry while giving you some relevant experience.
Good luck to you. I was in your position not all that long ago, if I can do it you certainly can.

[Matt Lewis]

So, what kind of maths should i do? (eg...specialised, studies, general etc...)

[TheBeak]

Honestly as difficult a maths as you can cope with. It's a dying skill and you will be more and more respectable and selectable for having done it. Physics is even more relevant for flying and interesting too.